Exploring Sri Lanka’s Secret Waterfalls
Sri Lanka is a stunning island Nation with incredible natural beauty and, the amazing waterfalls stand tall among the highlights. Sri Lanka is rich of beautiful waterfalls hidden in the dense forests and mountains. It takes hikes through beautiful scenery and lush green jungles to explore these waterfalls in the wilderness. As most of these Waterfalls are located off the beaten track in isolation, you feel that you are lost in the Tropical rain forests. The waterfalls are very clean and after the hike you could go for a refreshing dip in the water. Do not forget to bring some snacks with you as you will feel hungry after being in the water and having lunch in the forest listing to the flow water is a mystical experience. There are many waterfalls in Srilanka and you can pick and choose the once closer to your route.
Baker’s Falls
This is one of the highest located water falls at over 7000 feet above sea level. Baker`s fall is well tucked in the Horton plains National park. You take a walk through the cloud forests to get to the Baker`s fall. The 20 meter tall fall, sprays the water to the air creating a misty surrounding. The Bakers Falls is home for unique wild life such as the Purple faced Monkey, Horned Lizard, Ceylon White eye and native trees such as Nellu
Bambarakanda Ella
Bambarakanda Falls is the tallest waterfall in Srilanka which is 860 feet in height. The water lands in to a shallow basin generating a high sound and splashes to the vicinity creating a mystical scene. You can go for a swim in the basin if you wish to soak up the feel of the waterfall.
Diyaluma Waterfall
Diyaluma Falls is the second highest waterfall in Sri Lanka situated in the heart of Badulla District. Diyaluma, which in Sinhalese means “rapid flow of water,” more than lives up to its name with an impressive display during the wet season.The area is ideal for camping and you can easily get very close to the fall by a Vehicle.
Dunhinda Waterfall
Dunhinda, one of Sri Lanka’s most stunning waterfalls, falls from 210 feet above the ground. This is located in the lower central hills of srilanka. Dunhinda gets its name from the smoky dew drops spray that covers the area at the base of the fall
Laxapana Falls
The Laxapana Falls is the 8th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka, and the name comes from the Sinhala words “Laxa,” which means a hundred thousand, and “Pahana,” which means rock. The name of the fall itself, describes what it is. You can easily
link the visit to Laxapana with White Water Rafting.
Rawana- Ella
Rawana Ella is the most visited Waterfall in SriLanka due its easy accessibility which is located closer to the famous Ella town. The waterfall is by the side of the Ella- Wellawaya main road. Rawana Ella is one of the widest waterfalls in SriLanka. Come to This Beautiful Island to Experience The Serenity of Sri Lanka’s Waterfalls Where Nature Reveals the Beauty!
Exploring Sri Lanka’s Rich Bird Life
Srilanka is a bird watcher’s paradise. From vibrant endemic species to majestic migratory visitors, the country offers a tapestry of winged wonders. If you are a birdwatcher or a nature enthusiast, there will never be a dull moment for you. Come join us on an exploration of Sri Lanka’s diverse avian treasures, where each fluttering wing paints a unique story of nature’s beauty in perfect harmony.
The island’s diverse habitats, including mountains, rainforests, dry zones,s and wetlands are home to a stunning array of birds. Here are some of the common birds you can find in Sri Lanka:
Grey-headed Fish Eagle (Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus) – This majestic raptor can be spotted in the dry zone in Yala, Bundala, Udawalawa, Kaudulla and Wilpatthu National parks..
Indian Pitta (Pitta brachyura) – The Indian Pitta is a migratory bird. It is known for its vibrant plumage with a mix of blue, green, and orange hues. It visits Sri Lanka during the winter
months and it can be found in the dry and wet zones
Malabar Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros coronatus) – The Malabar Pied Hornbill is found in the dry zone and lowland rainforests. They are common in Yala and Udawalawa areas.
Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala) – The Painted Stork is a large wading bird. It consists of a beautiful pink and white plumage. It is commonly found in lagoons and wetlands, where
it uses its distinctive long bill to catch fish.[Yala, Udawalawa, Wilpatthu]
Spot-billed Pelican (Pelecanus philippensis) – The Spot-billed Pelican is found in the wet and dry zones. This is a common bird that you even see in your car.
Sri Lanka Blue Magpie (Urocissa ornata) – The Sri Lanka Blue Magpie is endemic to Sri Lanka. It’s a striking bird with a deep blue and white plumage. Its long tail and vibrant colors
make it a sought-after species for birdwatchers.
Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot (Loriculus beryllinus) – The Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot is a charming small parrot. It’s known for its green plumage and red bill, and it’s frequently seen in the
canopies of rainforests and wooded areas.[Sinharaja rain forest]
Sri Lanka Junglefowl (Gallus lafayettii) – The Sri Lanka Junglefowl is the national bird of Sri Lanka. It’s an iconic species native to Sri Lanka. The male boasts vibrant colors with a striking blue neck, while the female exhibits more subtle shades of brown. This bird is commonly found in forested regions across the island.
Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush (Myophonus blighi) – The Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush is an elusive bird that is native to the mountains of Sri Lanka and is known for its hauntingly beautiful whistling calls. It prefers the mossy rocks and streams in the highlands.
White-bellied Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster)– A majestic seabird, the White-bellied Sea Eagle is known for its impressive wingspan and striking white underbelly. It can be spotted near coastal areas, soaring gracefully above the waters.
But wait! That’s not all! These are just a few examples of the diverse birdlife found in Sri Lanka. The key to witnessing the diverse range of birds lies in knowing where to go. So where can you go? Well, you must know by now that from rainforests and wetlands to coastal areas and mountains, the country’s varied landscapes provide a habitat for an impressive array of bird species. With destinations like Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary, Bundala National Park, Horton Plains National Park, Kitulgala, Kumana National Park, Minneriya National Park, Sinharaja Rainforest Reserve, Udawalawe National Park, Wilpattu National Park, and Yala National Park, you have an incredible range of options to explore. So, plan your next vacation to this beautiful island. We can guarantee that you will be rewarded with unforgettable bird-watching experiences that will leave you in awe of nature’s wonders.
“Wings of freedom, soaring through the skies.”
Preserving Sri Lanka’s Threatened Wildlife
Sri Lanka, is home for a lot of mammals, Birds, reptiles and amphibians. The bio- diversity of this little Island is amazing and is truly a paradise for wild life lovers.
The elephant gatherings at Minneriya National park where hundreds of Elephants are seen is a truly unique experience. The Yala National park has the highest
concentration of Leopards in the World. The Wilpatthu National park is known for its high concentration of Sloth bear. The Gal oya National park is the only park in the World to see swimming Asian Elephants. There is guarantee of seeing crocodiles, Wild boa, Deer, different types of monkeys and a variety of birds.
However, wild life is been threatened by various factors some within control and some being natural causes. Some elephants go the bordering villages and destroy the farmer’s crops and homes. They get to the villages through the sugar cane, pineapple and banana plantations. The Leopards too get to the villages to catch animals in farms. This animal human conflict sometimes results in the death of Animals.
The wildlife conservation department is making an attempt to stop the animals from coming in to villages by building electric fences and
digging holes to obstruct the animal corridors. The farmers have been educated not to grow crops that are edible to Elephants and build steel pens for their Animals.
Though the numbers of the Elephants and the Leopards are stable, It is been recognized as a top priority to manage the conflicts. The Red Slender Loris is a rare and endangered animal found in Sri Lanka. Deforestation and habitat destruction have posed significant threats to these small, wide-eyed mammals. Sri Lanka has taken measures to preserve the native habitats of these rare species and raise awareness about the importance of conservation. The Toque Macaque, also known as “Rilawa” is one of the fascinating animals in Sri Lanka that you can frequently spot in the country’s lush forests. These monkeys
live in troops and they are called temple monkeys as they commonly live in the surroundings of temples and other cultural sites in addition to the forests. These
monkeys are in danger due to habitat loss and human activity. Sri Lanka is actively working on conservation initiatives to safeguard these monkeys as they are endemic to Sri Lanka.
The Black-Necked Stork is a beautiful bird in Sri Lanka that is struggling with endangerment. The loss of wetland habitat and other human activities has put these magnificent stork in danger. The country has established, protected and preserved wetland areas in order to safeguard these large bird.
Visit Sri Lanka to see these lovely specimens and have a memorable holiday while helping to preserve nature’s wonders!
Top Ten Adventure activities in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is no longer seen as just a beach holiday destination. It has so much to offer in the form of History, Culture, Nature, and Adventure. Srilanka is been recognized as a prime Adventure Holiday destination blended with nature which is a unique feature.
Being a tropical Country, Sri Lanka is never short of exciting outdoor activities. The lush green vegetation and the Sunshine add so much color to the activities making them memorable to the travelers. The vast variety of landscapes and Bio- diversity allows the tourists to enjoy the different vibes and feels allowing them to gain unforgettable experiences.
We have listed the top fifteen adventure activities based on our customer feedback. You have the choice to pick and choose your activities, which we can tailor-make into a tour. We have very carefully selected our service providers with the correct paperwork and qualified staff.
Cycling Tours
The back roads of Sri Lanka are well connected and you can easily cycle around to see all the highlights. You cycle through rice paddy fields, around lakes, and through the little villages and Tea plantations, feeling the pulse of the Country which most tourists do not get to experience. We use high-quality branded bikes such as Trek and Specialized.
Water Sports
Sri Lanka is an Island Nation, and the choice for water sports is immense. Due to the two different monsoons, you need to carefully pick the region you visit depending on the time of the year. The North and the East are at their best between July and November. The South and West Coasts are calm from November till April. Diving, Snorkeling, Surfing, and many more water sports are offered in this tropical Island.
Negombo Lagoon is been identified as one of the best places in the World for Kite surfing.
Deep Sea Fishing and Lagoon Fishing
The Indian Ocean that surrounds the island of Sri Lanka is rich with Barracuda, Groupers, Jack Fish, Red Snappers, Sharks, Tuna, the stunning Waho, and White Snappers. You can spend an entire morning deep sea fishing and make it a fantastic experience.
You can try lagoon fishing during the off-season in the quieter waters at the edge of the river mouth and further upstream. The best time to do this is in the morning or late afternoon for a couple of hours. You will have the opportunity of catching catfish, mangrove jacks, mullet, and snappers. As a bonus, you can enjoy the stunning scenery of rivers and wildlife in Sri Lanka.
Dolphin and Whale Watching
The ever-smiling, excited, mischievous dolphins will put on a show for you while some of the largest and oldest sea creatures, the blue whales and humpback, will casually glide past you when you experience a dolphin/whale watching expedition off the Eastern, Southern and Western coasts of Sri Lanka.
The perfect locations for whale watching are Dondra Point, Mirissa, and Trincomalee.
The ideal location for dolphin watching is Kalpitiya, which is well known to have an abundance of dolphins (Bottlenose, Humpback, and Spinner Dolphins). Killer whales and sperm whales too, are found here. In Kalpitiya, you can watch hundreds of dolphins diving under and swimming alongside your boat, jumping, leaping out of the water in a magical display, riding waves, spinning, and twirling. On a day with good sightings, this will be an unforgettable, magical experience.
Hiking and Trekking
Hiking and trekking are getting very popular in Srilanka. The mountain rainforest of Knuckles Range is should be on your list as the place offers many options. The short walks such as the Little World`s End and Sera Ella are the most popular. Climbing Manigala Rock is a great trek in isolation with amazing views.
If you are up to taking a challenge, you could walk from Reversten to Meemure which is a day`s trek where you move from North Central to Central Province.
Ella is the next best place for Trekking and the most popular trek is the Little Adam`s Peak. The Ella Rock is a half a day trek through amazing scenery close to the Nine Arch Bridge. The trek that is visited least is the Rawana cave trek. If you fancy a peaceful, quiet walk absorbing the scenery, this is perfect for you.
The cloud forests can be explored at Horton Plains National Park and if you wish you can climb the second-tallest peak Kirigalpottha or the third-tallest Thotupola Kanda.
Though the most popular climb in Srilanka is Adam`s Peak from a trekking point of view, it is not the best as this can get very busy with pilgrims.
Hot Air Ballooning
Fancy a magical Bird`s eye view of the forests and the Lion Rock in Sigiriya??
Hot Air Ballooning is the answer.
This ride is the most picturesque experience for sure. The Jungle with Elephants, The volcanic eruptions, the green rice paddy fields, and the Birds of prey will drive you to a different World
White Water Rafting, Sliding & Confident Jumping
Keleni River running through the little Village of Kithulgala offers you a full package of adventure. Grade three and Grade four rafting, Sliding & confident jumping can be done with in a couple of hours. The stunning Rain forest type thick vegetation and the suspension bridges add a different vibe to the activities. You get to see the location of the film “Bridge over the River Kwai“.
Train Rides through the Hill Country
This is an activity you should not miss. The train twists and scrawls through the hills with thousands of acres of Tea and breathtaking views. It runs at around 20 miles per hour allowing you to take photos of the Waterfalls and the Tea pickers. The open doors and windows give you the chance to soak up the atmosphere. The best part of the Journey is from Nanuoya to Demodara where you see the famous nine-arch bridge.
Canoeing and Kayaking
Canoeing through the dense mangrove forests of Sri Lanka gives you an up-close look at the unique ecosystems. If you’re a nature lover who wants to experience the incredible biodiversity that Sri Lanka has to offer, then this activity is perfect for you. Whether you paddle through quiet waterways or navigating brackish channels, there’ll always be something for everyone on a canoeing trip through the mangroves.
Kayaking is usually done between the beach and a lagoon. You need a full day tour exploring the many ocean-based sights of the area. The tour is like a trip to an off-shore island. Along the way you will see many small islands with coral reefs, sea life and the waves crashing along the western coast.
Zip lining
This is the latest activity that has been added to the list. Zip lining can be done in Ella. The lines between the two hills give you the best feel of nature. You can combine this activity with Little Adam`s peak and Demodara Bridge.
Sri Lanka is the ideal place to experience a wide range of adventure activities at a very fair cost. The standard of Health and safety is been very closely monitored by the authorities and the staff is qualified and experienced.
Whale Watching Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is one of the best places in the World for Whale Watching. There is almost a
guarantee that you will see Whales as the sighting percentage stands above 90%. The most
common Whale in the Indian Ocean is the Blue Whale which is the largest surviving
Mammal on Earth. Sperm Whale, Fin Whale, Bryde`s Whale, and falls killer Whales too are
often spotted in the Srilankan waters. Apart from Whales, Bottle-nosed Dolphins, Spinner
Dolphins, flying fish, and turtles are spotted in the Srilankan waters.
Mirissa in the southwest, Trincomalee in the northeast, and Kalpitiya on the northwest coast
are the three main whale and dolphin-watching areas in Sri Lanka.
The best time to visit is between November and April when the sea is calm in the South
and between July and October in the North
The movement of the Whales is closely monitored by the Wildlife conservation
department and the coast Guard. The boats are geared up with health and safety
equipment and there is a very helpful crew on board. Depending on the sightings you
spend three to five hours exploring the Indian Ocean.
Whale watching in Mirissa
Mirissa is the best and the most popular port to go whale watching in Sri Lanka..The best
time to spot whales here is from November to April as the ocean is calm, and whales are
migrating from the southern to the northern hemispheres. The geographic location makes it
ideal for whale watching as this is where the continental shelf is at its narrowest, with
ocean depths reaching 1km a few kilometers offshore.
Whale watching in Trincomalee
Trincomalee has one of the largest natural harbors in this region and sandy, golden, and
isolated beaches. Whale watching here is a lot quieter than in Mirissa. You do not see a lot of
boats here allowing you to Whale watch leisurely. All the Whales found in Mirissa are seen
in Trincomalee, but the percentage of success is not as high as in Mirissa
Whale watching in Kalpitiya
The least popular place is Kalpitiya. You often see a lot of Dolphins here, but the sightings
of Whales are not great. But this is a very unique experience there will be very few boats
in Sea. All the species of Whales seen in Mirissa are present in Kalpitiya, but they are in
small numbers. The best time for Whale watching in Kalpitiya is from November to
December and March till April.
Come to the best place for Whale watching in the World to have an
amazing experience. Visit our website, book your favorite tour, and
enjoy your vacation with your loving family.